[Paleontology • 2025] Huadanosaurus sinensis & Sinosauropteryx lingyuanensis • Two New compsognathid-like Theropods (Coelurosauria: Sinosauropterygidae) show diversified predation strategies in Theropod Dinosaurs

Huadanosaurus sinensis gen. et sp. nov. and
Sinosauropteryx lingyuanensis sp. nov.  

 Qiu, Wang, Jiang, Meng & Zhou, 2025

 DOI: doi.org/10.1093/nsr/nwaf068 

 illustrated by ZHAO Chuang facebook.com/PNSOus

ABSTRACT

The Compsognathidae was originally considered an early-diverging clade of coelurosaur theropods. However, recent study suggests that Compsognathidae is not monophyletic. Here, we describe two new compsognathid-like species, Sinosauropteryx lingyuanensis sp. nov. and Huadanosaurus sinensis gen. et sp. nov. from the Lower Cretaceous Yixian Formation of Dawangzhangzi (Lingyuan, Western Liaoning, China). The phylogenetic results indicate that all compsognathid-like theropods from the Early Cretaceous Jehol Biota form a monophyletic group Sinosauropterygidae nested among early-diverging coelurosaurs. Morphological comparison between various species of sinosauropterygids from the Early Cretaceous of Northeast China, combined with the phylogenetic results, suggests that at least three distinct hunting strategies were present among coeval species. The diversification of theropods should be attributed to the landscape caused by the destruction of the North China craton.

Early Cretaceous, Jehol Biota, Yixian Formation, Sinosauropterygidae, North China craton

Holotype of Huadanosaurus sinensis gen. et sp. nov. (IVPP V 14202: a, b) and
Sinosauropteryx lingyuanensis sp. nov. (IVPP V 12415:c, d).
Photographs and line drawings.
Black shading indicates the impression made by the skeleton. Dark grey shading indicates the mammalian bony stomach content.

 f, furcula; lc, left coracoid; lf, left femur; lh, left humerus; li, left ilium; lis, left ischium; lmt, left metatarsal; ls, left scapula; lt, left tibia; lu, left ulna; pu, pubis; rc, right coracoid; rd, right dentary; rf, right femur; rh, right humerus; ri, right ilium; ris, right ischium; rmc, right metacarpal; rmt, right metatarsal; rr, right radius; rs, right scapula; rt, right tibia; ru, right ulna. Scale bar, 10 cm.

Dinosauria Owen, 1842

Saurischia Seeley, 1888

Theropoda Marsh, 1881

Coelurosauria Von Huene, 1914

Sinosauropterygidae Ji et Ji, 1996

Sinosauropteryx Ji et Ji, 1996

Sinosauropteryx lingyuanensis sp. nov

Diagnosis. Differs from other sinosauropterygids in possessing the following autapomorphies: the jugal ramus of the maxilla subequal to the length of the snout; maxilla relatively low and elongated, maxillary fenestra large and subequal in size to the external naris; absence of the ischiatic boot.

Huadanosaurus sinensis gen. et sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Differs from other sinosauropterygids in possessing the following autapomorphies: large oval concavity between the anterior margin of the antorbital fossa and the maxilla; large lacrimal recess on the lacrimal, U-shaped bifurcation at the posteroventral margin of the dentary, small and crescent-shaped external mandibular fenestra, fanshaped neural spine on the axis, strongly anteroposteriorly elongated centrum in the posterior cervical vertebrae, small pleurocoel on centrum of the anterior dorsal vertebrae, the coracoid elongated lateromedially, not oval-shaped, the supracetabular crest well developed on the ilium, the obturator process >70% of the length of the ischial shaft, and the tibia ∼1.3 times of the femoral length.

Etymology. ‘Huadan’, a Chinese word meaning the birthday of a great person or a great institution, commemorating the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the 95th anniversary of the founding of the Palaeontological Society of China and the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese Society of Vertebrate Paleontology; ‘saurus’, Greek for lizard. ‘sine’, Latin referring to China. 

Huadanosaurus sinensis (left) and Sinosauropteryx lingyuanensis (right)

 illustrated by ZHAO Chuang

Rui Qiu, Xiaolin Wang, Shunxing Jiang, Jin Meng and Zhonghe Zhou. 2025. Two New compsognathid-like Theropods show diversified predation strategies in theropod dinosaurs. National Science Review, Volume 12(5); nwaf068. DOI: doi.org/10.1093/nsr/nwaf068 [22 February 2025]

 facebook.com/PNSOus/posts/1194222596046009

  

   

[Herpetology • 2025] Goggia sabula • A New Pygmy Gecko (Squamata: Gekkonidae: Goggia) from the arid Northern Cape Province of South Africa

  

Goggia sabula

Conradie, Hundermark, Kemp & Keates, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5618.4.5  

 facebook.com: Courtney Hundermark

Abstract

The genus Goggia is composed of ten small bodied leaf-toed gecko species endemic to South Africa and adjacent Namibia. Using a combination of phylogenetic and morphological analyses we assessed the taxonomic status of an isolated rupicolous population discovered south of Klein Pella in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa. The newly collected material was recovered as a well supported clade by two independent phylogenetic algorithms (maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference), with little intraspecies structuring. While the particular interspecific relationships among closely related Goggia remain unresolved, the phylogenetic results suggest the novel material is related to G. rupicola, G. gemmula, G. incognita and G. matzikamaensis. This is supported by the similar ecologies (rupicolous lifestyle), geographies (arid western extent of South Africa) and morphologies (prominent dorsal chevrons and yellow-centred pale dorsal spots), which are shared among these closely related species. Despite their similarity, the novel population from Klein Pella remains geographically separate, differs from congeners by an uncorrected ND2 p-distance of 11.03–22.91%, and is morphologically diagnosable. Based on these findings we describe the Klein Pella population as a new species.

Reptilia, Gekkonidae, Namibia, arid, quartzite, cryptic species

Goggia sabula

Werner CONRADIE, Courtney HUNDERMARK, Luke KEMP and Chad KEATES. 2025. New Pygmy Gecko (Goggia: Gekkonidae) from the arid Northern Cape Province of South Africa.  Zootaxa. 5618(4); 552-570. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5618.4.5 [2025-04-04] facebook.com/feverhunting/posts/10229231279309947

[Ichthyology • 2025] Hypoplectrus espinosai (Teleostei: Serranidae) • A New hamlet on Coral Reefs in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico

Phenotypic variation of Hypoplectrus espinosai 

Puebla, Aguilar-Perera, Robertson & Domínguez-Domínguez, 

 

  in Puebla, Aguilar-Perera, Helmkampf, Robertson, C.J. Estapé, A.M. Estapé et Domínguez-Domínguez, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5618.4.3

Photographs from Alacranes reef by Carlos and Allison Estapé (a, b, c, d), Isai Dominguez Guerrero (e), and Alfonso Aguilar-Perera (f).

Abstract

The hamlets (Hypoplectrus spp., Teleostei: Serranidae) are a group of small predatory reef-associated fishes endemic to the tropical northwestern Atlantic that are characterized by an exceptionally high diversification rate. Currently 18 species are recognized, with seven described or redescribed in the last 14 years. Here, we describe the Campeche Bank hamlet, Hypoplectrus espinosai sp. nov. As indicated by its common name, this species is distributed throughout the Campeche Bank in the southwest Gulf of Mexico. Hypoplectrus espinosai sp. nov. differs from two similar hamlets, the butter hamlet H. unicolor (Walbaum) and the Veracruz hamlet H. castroaguirrei Del Moral Flores, Tello-Musi & Martínez-Pérez in terms of geographic distribution and color pattern. Furthermore, phylogenetic and population genetic analyses based on whole-genome data from 68 individuals indicate that H. espinosai sp. nov. is genetically distinct from H. unicolor and H. castroaguirrei.

Pisces, Gulf of Mexico, Campeche Bank, Serranidae, reef fishes, hamlets, Hypoplectrus

Phenotypic variation of Hypoplectrus espinosai sp.  nov. A black saddle blotch covers the caudal  peduncle  and extends over the posterior part of the body, sometimes over the posterior border of the dorsal fin. Note the consistency of the thin vertical lines.

Photographs from Alacranes reef by Carlos and Allison Estapé (a, b, c, d), Isai Dominguez Guerrero (e), and Alfonso Aguilar-Perera (f).

Hypoplectrus espinosai sp. nov. Puebla, Aguilar-Perera, Robertson & Domínguez-Domínguez 2025 

English common name: Campeche Bank hamlet 

Spanish common names: mero del Banco de Campeche (AFS), vaca del Banco de Campeche (FAO), hamlet del Banco de Campeche (vernacular) 

Diagnosis. Hypoplectrus  espinosai sp.  nov. is distinguished  from  all named congeners  by  coloration. Body white with thin vertical lines but no bars (or very faint). Black spot on snout surrounded by electric blue lines. Caudal peduncle entirely covered by black saddle blotch, which extends over posterior part of body, and sometimes over posterior part of dorsal fin. Black saddle blotch is more extensive than in H. unicolor. Black eye-mask characteristic of H. castroaguirrei absent.

Etymology. We assign the species name espinosai sp. nov. in honor of Héctor Salvador Espinosa Pérez (1954–2022), a dedicated Mexican ichthyologist, founder of the Mexican Ichthyological Society and curator of the Mexican National Fish Collection. The common name refers  to  the  geographic distribution of the species, the  Campeche Bank off the north coast of the Yucatan Peninsula in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico, Mexico.

Oscar PUEBLA, Alfonso AGUILAR-PERERA, Martin HELMKAMPF, D. Ross ROBERTSON, Carlos J. ESTAPÉ, Allison Morgan ESTAPÉ and Omar DOMÍNGUEZ-DOMÍNGUEZ. 2025. Hypoplectrus espinosai sp. nov. (Teleostei: Serranidae), A New hamlet on Coral Reefs in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico. Zootaxa. 5618(4); 509-524. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5618.4.3 [2025-04-04]

[Botany • 2025] Crotalaria luteopurpurea (Fabaceae) • A New elegant Species from Drylands of Karnataka, India

 

Crotalaria luteopurpurea Dalavi, Ramesh, Basavraj, Sanjappa & S.R.Yadav, 

in Dalavi, Ramesh, Basavaraj, Yadav, Jadhav-Rathod et Sanjappa, 2025.  

 https://rheedea.in/journal/1Qk5udtv

 

Abstract

Crotalaria luteopurpurea Dalavi et al. is described with photo-plate here as a new species from Bagalkot district of Karnataka, India. It is an annual, procumbent, sparingly branched herb with dimorphic leaves, usually solitary flowers, bicolored corolla (standard petals bright yellow on both surfaces, wing petals purple with yellow nectar guides), densely hirsute blotched pods and polished seeds with mottled testa. The newly proposed species grows sympatrically with C. bifaria L.f. and maintains consistent differences without any intermediate form. The blooming time of flowers also differs in both species (C. bifaria flowers open in the early day hours and close in the evening, whereas C. luteopurpurea flowers bloom in the late afternoon or evening hours and remain open whole night). Due to this reproductive isolation, we could not collect any intermediate forms between these species. The new species is described with informative photo plates, identification keys, and ecological notes.

Keywords: Badami, Karnataka, Crotalaria, Fabaceae, Rattlepod

Crotalaria luteopurpurea Dalavi, Ramesh, Basavraj, Sanjappa & S.R.Yadav:
 a. Habit; b & c . Dimorphic leaves; d. Bracts; e. Flower–front view; f. & g. Flower–lateral view; h. Flower–dorsal view; i. Calyx; j. Dissected corolla; k. Enlarged portion of wing; l. Standard petal–dorsal view; m. Androecium; n. Gynoecium; o & p. Pods; q. Seeds

 (from J.V. Dalavi, R. Pujar & B. Saliyavar BCV-001; photos by Jagdish Dalavi).

Crotalaria luteopurpurea Dalavi, Ramesh, Basavaraj, Sanjappa & S.R.Yadav, sp. nov.

 It is allied to C. bifaria L.f. (Fig. 2) but differs in its habit (much branched vs. procumbent sparingly branched), leaves (lower leaves ovate to orbicular and upper ovate to oblong, less than 1.5 times longer than lower leaves vs. lower leaves orbicular to ovate and upper leaves elliptic-lanceolate to oblong-lanceolate, 1.5–3 times longer than lower ones), peduncle (diffused, weak and creeping vs. erect to sub-erect) corolla (entirely blue on ventral surface side while standard yellow with brown veination on backside vs. bicolored ventral surface while standard bright yellow on both the surfaces and wings purple colored), standard (as long as or broader than long, blue inside vs. longer than broader and bright yellow inside), wings (blue with white shade near claw vs. purple with bright yellow near claw), and seeds (usually brown to black shiny rarely slightly blotched or mottled vs. faint brown, always distinctly blotched or mottled).

Etymology: The specific epithet ‘luteopurpurea’ is derived from color of the corolla, standard bright yellow (latin luteo = yellow) and purple wing and keel petals (latin purpurea = purple).

Dalavi J.V., Ramesh P., Basavaraj S., Yadav S.R., Jadhav-Rathod V.D. and M. Sanjappa. 2025. Crotalaria luteopurpurea (Fabaceae) A New elegant Rattlepod from Drylands of Karnataka, India. Rheedea. 35(1); 13–18. DOI: 10.22244/rheedea.2025.35.01.03 https://rheedea.in/journal/1Qk5udtv [31-Mar-2025]

[Paleontology • 2025] The First gravid ichthyosaur from the Hauterivian (Early Cretaceous): a complete Myobradypterygius hauthali von Huene, 1927 excavated from the border of the Tyndall Glacier, Torres del Paine National Park, southernmost Chile

  

Myobradypterygius hauthali von Huene, 1927 

in Pardo-Pérez, Malkowski, Zambrano, Lomax, Martín, Kaluza, Ortíz, Andrés Marín, Villa-Martínez, Yurac, Cáceres, Zegers, Delgado, Scapini, Astete et Maxwell, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1080/02724634.2024.2445705

  facebook.com/UdeMagallanes 

  facebook.com: Mauricio Alvarez

ABSTRACT

Ichthyosaurs were pelagic marine reptiles with a global distribution through most of the Mesozoic. Cretaceous Ichthyosauria are mostly known from the northern hemisphere, although findings from the southern hemisphere have been reported from Australia, Argentina, Chile, and New Zealand. Despite these findings that have contributed to knowledge of the clade, there is still a dearth of information about the evolution, phylogenetics, and ecology of Cretaceous ichthyosaurs from the Southernmost Pacific margin of Gondwana. A Lower Cretaceous locality next to the Tyndall Glacier, inside Torres del Paine National Park, southernmost Chile, has yielded 87 ichthyosaur skeletons to date. Most of the specimens recorded from this area are complete and articulated, however, they are affected by recent weathering and the constant erosion. Here we describe a complete platypterygiine ichthyosaur, which we provisionally assign to Myobradypterygius hauthali von Huene, 1927. The specimen was excavated from the border of the glacier in Patagonia during March and April 2022 and corresponds to the first complete excavated ichthyosaur from Chile. This specimen additionally preserves gastrointestinal contents and is the only Hauterivian (131 Ma) ichthyosaur documented to date containing the articulated skeleton of a preserved fetus. This research increases the knowledge of the paleobiology of the species. In addition to morphology, it contributes information regarding paleoecology and paleopathology, diet, and reproduction in M. hauthali, a taxon potentially restricted to the Pacific margin of Gondwana.

 

  

 

Judith M. Pardo-Pérez, Matthew Malkowski, Patricio Zambrano, Dean R. Lomax, Cristina Gascó Martín, Jonatan Kaluza, Héctor Ortíz, Andrés Pérez Marín, Rodrigo Villa-Martínez, Marko Yurac, Miguel Cáceres, Aymara Zegers, Javiera Delgado, Francisca Scapini, Catalina Astete and Erin E. Maxwell. 2025. The First gravid ichthyosaur from the Hauterivian (Early Cretaceous): a complete Myobradypterygius hauthali von Huene, 1927 excavated from the border of the Tyndall Glacier, Torres del Paine National Park, southernmost Chile. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. e2445705. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/02724634.2024.2445705 [25 Feb 2025]

  facebook.com/UdeMagallanes/posts/1037390385075772

  facebook.com/DeanRLomax/posts/1176590717805230

  facebook.com/MauricioAlvarez904108/posts/9212059438915634

  facebook.com/JonatanKaluza/posts/10161610354016200

[PaleoEntomology • 2021] Jurassic Scorpionflies (Mecoptera) with swollen first metatarsal segments suggesting Sexual Dimorphism

  

Comparison of non-swollen versus swollen first metatarsal segments. 
 a, b Non-swollen, Mesopanorpa densa. c, d Heavily swollen, Mesopanorpa luanpingensis. e, f Slightly swollen, Orthophlebia elenae. g, h Moderately swollen, Mesopanorpa densa. 
i Artist’s reconstruction of orthophlebiids with the first metatarsal segment slightly swollen (male at left) or extremely swollen (male at center).

in Zhang, P.J.M. Shih, Wang, McNamara, C. Shih, Ren et Gao, 2021.

DOI: doi.org/10.1186/s12862-021-01771-3

 (artwork by Dr. Chen Wang)

Abstract

Background: Sexual dimorphism is widespread in insects. The certain specialized structures may be used as weapons in male–male combats or as ornaments to enhance mating opportunities.

Results: We report striking swollen first tarsal segments in two families, four genera and six species of scorpionflies from the Middle Jurassic Yanliao Biota of Northeastern China. Swollen tarsal segments are restricted to male specimens and to hind leg tarsi. The geometric morphometric analyses reveal that the degree of swelling within the orthophlebiid species possessing swollen first metatarsal segments is species-specific, which can be used as a diagnostic character for taxonomic and phylogenetic studies.

Conclusions: The new findings indicate that swollen first metatarsal segments are relatively common in the family Orthophlebiidae during the Middle Jurassic. The tarsal swellings are considered to be sexually dimorphic, potentially associated with sexually display by males and/or camouflage of a “nuptial gift” in the mating process.

Keywords: Fossil insect, Holcorpidae, Mesozoic, Orthophlebiidae, Tarsal swelling, Nuptial gift, Yanliao Biota

Comparison of non-swollen versus swollen first metatarsal segments.
 a, b Non-swollen, Mesopanorpa densa (CNU-MEC-NN2016270). c, d Heavily swollen, Mesopanorpa luanpingensis (CNU-MEC-NN2016229). e, f Slightly swollen, Orthophlebia elenae (CNU-MEC-NN2014020). g, h Moderately swollen, Mesopanorpa densa (CNU-MEC-NN2016253).
i Artist’s reconstruction of orthophlebiids with the first metatarsal segment slightly swollen (male at left) or extremely swollen (male at center) (credit: Dr. Chen Wang).

b, d, f, h Habitus, first metatarsal segments of (a, c, e, g). Scale bars represent: 4 mm for (a, c, e, g); 0.5 mm for (b, d, f, h)

Yan-jie Zhang, Peter J. M. Shih, Jun-you Wang, Maria E. McNamara, Chungkun Shih, Dong Ren and Tai-ping Gao. 2021. Jurassic Scorpionflies (Mecoptera) with swollen first metatarsal segments suggesting Sexual Dimorphism. BMC Ecology and Evolution. 21: 47. DOI: doi.org/10.1186/s12862-021-01771-3 [20 March 2021]

[Botany • 2025] Lysimachia brevicaulis (Primulaceae) • A New Species from Limestone Karst of Northern Laos

Lysimachia brevicaulis  Y.H. Tan & D.L. Quan, 

in Quan, Yang et Tan, 2025.

DOI: doi.org/10.5735/085.062.0112 

 Researchgate.net/publication/390049986

 Abstract 

Lysimachia brevicaulis Y.H. Tan & D.L. Quan (Primulaceae) is described and illustrated as a new species from a limestone karst in Oudomxay Province, Laos. It is tentatively placed in the subgenus Idiophyton. The new species is morphologically close to L. verbascifolia but can be distinguished from it by its underdeveloped stem, smaller leaf blades, solitary flowers, villous calyx, abaxially reddish brown and puberulent corolla, shorter anthers and styles, and green fruits.

Lysimachia brevicaulis.
— A: Habit (left, isotype; right, holotype). — B: Flowering plant. — C: Lateral viewwith rhizome. — D: Fruits (holotype). — E, G and H: Flower. — F: Pistil. — I: Leaves (left, adaxial surface; right, abaxial surface). — J: Petals detached. — K: Sepals detached. — L: Stamens.

A and D photographed at the type locality on 19 November 2022; others photographed from paratype (HITBC0123823) in Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden on 14 June 2023. 

Lysimachia brevicaulis Y.H. Tan & D.L. Quan sp. nov.

Etymology: The specific epithet brevicaulis refers to the short stem, one of the key characteristics of the new species.

 

Dong-Li Quan, Bin Yang and Yun-Hong Tan. 2025. Lysimachia brevicaulis (Primulaceae), A New Species from Limestone Karst of Northern Laos. Annales Botanici Fennici. 62(1); 75-80. DOI: doi.org/10.5735/085.062.0112 (10 March 2025)  

 Researchgate.net/publication/390049986_Lysimachia_brevicaulis_a_new_species_from_limestone_karst_of_northern_Laos

https://english.cas.cn/newsroom/research_news/life/202503/t20250321_908498.shtml

[Botany • 2025] Lagenandra rubra (Araceae) • A New endemic Species from Sinharaja Man and Biosphere Reserve, Sri Lanka

 Lagenandra rubra  

in Madola, Jayasinghe, D. Yakandawala et K. Yakandawala. 2025.   

DOI: doi.lorg/10.11646/phytotaxa.689.2.6 

  facebook.com/IndrakeelaMADOLA

 

Abstract

During the revision of the genus Lagenandra in Sri Lanka we encountered a new species Lagenandra rubra from the Sinharaja Man and Biosphere Reserve of Sri Lanka. The new species can be differentiated from all other described Lagenandra species by its glossy dark red-maroon twisted limb and the absence of warts on the spathe. With the newly described species, the number of endemic Sri Lankan species of Lagenandra rises to fourteen, and the global total rises to twenty-three. Based on the IUCN Red List categories and criteria, the new species is assessed as Critically Endangered under Criterion CR B1ab (ii, iii, iv, v) +2ab (ii, iii, iv, v).

Biodiversity conservation, Critically endangered, flora of Sri Lanka, Ornamental aquatic plants, Taxonomy, Monocots 

Indrakeela MADOLA, Himesh JAYASINGHE, Deepthi YAKANDAWALA and Kapila YAKANDAWALA. 2025. Lagenandra rubra (Araceae), A New endemic Species from Sinharaja Man and Biosphere Reserve, Sri Lanka.  Phytotaxa. 689(2); 233-242. DOI: doi.lorg/10.11646/phytotaxa.689.2.6 [2025-02-24] 

  facebook.com/IndrakeelaMADOLA/posts/2433646080318212

[Botany • 2025] Aristolochia geantha (Aristolochiaceae) • A New Species from Yunnan, China

 

Aristolochia geantha Z.R. Guo & Y.Fan Wang,

in Guo, Wang, Onyenedum et Li, 2025.    

地花关木通  ||  taiwania.NTU.edu.tw/abstract/2071 

 facebook.com/TaiwaniaOffice

Abstract

A new species of Aristolochiaceae, Aristolochia geantha Z.R. Guo & Y.Fan Wang, from Southwest China, is described herein. Detailed scientific illustrations, color figures, and a key are provided. The species is morphologically proximate to A. petelotii, but can be readily distinguished by its flat, cupuliform calyx limb, which adaxially covered with golden or rusty villous hairs, a velvety pink upper tube, unusually elongated peduncle, which extends from the basal lignified stems, and distinctive stripe patterns radiating from the throat to the calyx limb margin. Comparative assessments with other congeners are provided to establish its unique taxonomic status within the genus.

Keyword: Aristolochia austroyunnanensis, Aristolochia petelotii, cauliflorous, liana, morphology, Siphsia (Isotrema)

 Aristolochia geantha  
A. Habit, illustrating flowers on the ground, B. Young stem with leaves, C–D. Adaxial and abaxial views of the leaf, E. Inflorescence, F. Floral bud, G. Interior structure of the perianth, H–I. Gynostemium. Scale bars are provided in each panel accordingly.

Line drawing by Yushan Cai.

Morphological comparison I. A–D. Aristolochia geantha; E–H. A. petelotii; I–L. A. austroyunnanensis.
A, E & I. Frontal view of the flowers; B, F & J. Frontal view of the buds; C, G & K. Longitudinal dissection showing the adaxial side of the perianth; D, H & L. Lateral view of the buds.

 Scale bars for each image are shown at the bottom left of each figure panel; all scale bars = 5.0 cm.

. Morphological comparison II. A–D. Aristolochia geantha; E–H. A. petelotii; I–L. A. austroyunnanensis.
A, E, I. Close-up of limb and throat; B, F, J. Gynostemium; C, G, K. Adaxial leaf lamina; D, H, L. Abaxial leaf lamina.

Scale bars in B, F, J = 5.0 mm; scale bars in C, D, G, H, K, L = 5.0 cm.

 Illustration of Aristolochia geantha.
 A. Plant in situ, with flowers prostrate on the ground, throat facing upward, B. Habitat in situ, C. Adaxial view of the leaves, D. Abaxial view of the leaf, E. Bud, frontal view, F. Longitudinal section of the flower, G. Close-up of the gynostemium, H. Inflorescence showing elongated peduncle, I. Cyme bearing two flowers. Scale bars are provided in each panel accordingly.

Aristolochia geantha Z.R. Guo & Y.Fan Wang, sp. nov.  

Type: CHINA. Yunnan: Malipo County, Mali Township, ..., elevation 1338.5 m, ... 

Diagnosis: Aristolochia geantha is similar to A. petelotii O.C.Schmidt (1933: 95) and A. austroyunnanensis S.M. Hwang (1981: 228) in having ovate to lanceolate leaf blades with acuminate apices, cordate bases, and rusty villous hairs on both surfaces, as well as a perianth with a concave, fused calyx limb of similar coloration. However, A. geantha can be readily distinguished by its flat cupuliform calyx limb, radiating stripes from the throat to the limb margin, densely long rusty or golden villous hairs on the adaxial surface of the calyx limb, a pinkish beige to pink throat, and a pink upper tube. Notably, this species exhibits a unique floral positioning behavior, characterized by an elongated peduncle emerging from the basal stem, placing the flower prostrate on the ground with the throat facing upward—a trait not observed in any other species within subgenus Siphisia. See Figs. 1–2, S1–2 and Table 1 for detailed comparisons.

 Etymology: The epithet “geantha” conveys the species’ distinctive inflorescence arrangement, based on extensive field observations and cultivated living collections. The flowers are borne on an unusually elongated peduncle, which extends from the basal lignified stems and positions the flowers directly upon the ground, demonstrating a cauliflorous habit. This arrangement, where the flowers rest on the substrate, is not documented in any other taxa within the subg. Siphisia, and the epithet is intended to highlight this unique growth habit. 

Vernacular name: During our fieldwork, we learned that Aristolochia geantha, along with the sympatric species A. petelotii, has long been used as a folk medicine and is occasionally traded in markets under the vernacular name “xuě shàng cǎo” (雪上草), which translates to “growing above the snow.” However, this vernacular term lacks clarity in reflecting the biological properties or traits of the plants and functions as an umbrella name that may refer to multiple Aristolochia subg. Siphisia taxa, including A. petelotii. Based on the distinct characteristics of A. geantha, we propose the Chinese name “dì huā guān mù tōng” (地花关木通) to accurately reflect its growth habit and ensure alignment with its scientific identity.

Zi-Rui Guo, Yi-Fan Wang, Joyce G. Onyenedum and Jing Li. 2025. Aristolochia geantha (Aristolochiaceae), A New Species from Yunnan, China.  Taiwania. 70(2); 293-300. DOI: 10.6165/tai.2025.70.293 taiwania.NTU.edu.tw/abstract/2071

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[PaleoMammalogy • 2025] Ravjaa ishiii • New Late Cretaceous zhelestid mammal (Eutheria: Zhelestidae) from the Bayanshiree Formation, Mongolia

Ravjaa ishiii 

Okoshi, Takasaki, Chiba, Natori, Saneyoshi, Takahashi, Kodaira, Hayashi, Ishigaki, Mainbayar & Tsogtbaatar, 2025

 DOI: doi.org/10.4202/app.01213.2024 

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Numerous exquisitely preserved mammal fossils unearthed from Upper Cretaceous strata in the Gobi Desert of Mongolia have played a key role in understanding Mesozoic mammalian evolution. These splendid mammal fossils have been recovered mainly from the Baruungoyot and Djadokhta formations, but only two fragmentary remains of mammals have been collected from the underlying Bayanshiree Formation. Here we report a new species of Zhelestidae, Ravjaa ishiii gen. et sp. nov., based on a new mammal specimen recently discovered from the Bayanshiree Formation at the Bayan Shiree locality. The new specimen is represented by a well-preserved partial right dentary with the distal portion of an ultimate premolar and the first to the third molars. The gross observation and the phylogenetic analyses demonstrate zhelestid affinities: the subequally tall protoconid and metaconid, closely approximated hypoconulid and entoconid. Zhelestidae was widely distributed from Eurasia to North America in the Late Cretaceous but has not previously been recovered in the abundant Late Cretaceous mammalian fauna of Mongolia. This species represents the first zhelestid from the Mongolian Upper Cretaceous strata and contributes to further understanding of their paleobiogeographic and ecological insights.

Key words: Mammalia, Eutheria, Cretaceous, Bayanshiree Formation, Mongolia.

. Holotype of the zhelestid eutherian mammal Ravjaa ishiii gen. et sp. nov. (MPC-M 100s/001) from the Upper Cretaceous Bayanshiree Formation, Dornogovi, Mongolia.
Right mandible in labial (A), occlusal (B) and lingual (C) views.
Photographs (A1–C1) and 3D model (A2–C2) produced from a CT scan.

 

Mammalia Linnaeus, 1758 

Theria Parker and Haswell, 1897 

Eutheria Gill, 1872 

Zhelestidae Nessov, 1985a 

Genus Ravjaa nov. 

 Etymology: Derived from the 5th Noyon Khutugt lama of the Gobi, Dulduityn Danzanravjaa, the famous Buddhist scholar who was deeply respected by people in the Dornogobi region, where this specimen was unearthed. Given that the genus name “Ravjaa” originates from the personal name of a male figure, it should be considered masculine. 

Ravjaa ishiii sp. nov. 

Etymology: In honor of Ken-ichi Ishii, the director of Hayashibara Museum of Natural Sciences, Okayama, Japan, for his leading role in the Japanese team of the Mongolia-Japan joint expedition, which tremendously contributes to Mongolian paleontology. Holotype: MPC-M 100s/001, partial right dentary with a distal portion of the ultimate premolar, damaged m1, and well-preserved m2–3. 

Type locality: Bayan Shiree, located approximately 25 km southwest of Dzüünbayan, Dornogovi, Mongolia. 

Type horizon: Cenomanian–Santonian, Upper Cretaceous, Bayanshiree Formation. 

Diagnosis.—A zhelestid eutherian that differs from all other zhelestids in: the faint coronoid crest of the dentary with the shallow masseteric fossa, the concave dorsal alveolar margin of the dentary, the complete absence of the labial mandibular foramen, and the significantly high m2 crown that reaches approximately 70% of the height of the horizontal ramus directly below it on labial view.

Tsukasa Okoshi, Ryuji Takasaki, Kentaro Chiba, Masahito Natori, Mototaka Saneyoshi, Akio Takahashi, Shota Kodaira, Shoji Hayashi, Shinobu Ishigaki, Buuvei Mainbayar, and Khishigjav Tsogtbaatar. 2025. New Late Cretaceous zhelestid mammal from the Bayanshiree Formation, Mongolia. Acta Palaeontologica Polonica. 70 (1); 193-203. DOI: doi.org/10.4202/app.01213.2024

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[PaleoMammalogy • 2025] Weirdodectes napoleoni & Malleodectes arenai • A New Genus and Two New Species of malleodectid (Marsupialia: Malleodectidae) from the Middle and Late Miocene Deposits of the Riversleigh World Heritage Area, northwestern Queensland

 

Habitat reconstruction of Riversleigh’s Middle Miocene forests including Malleodectes mirabilis (bottom right), M. wentworthi (top left), Malleodectes arenai (top right) and Weirdodectes napoleoni (bottom left).  

 Churchill, Archer & Hand, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s10914-025-09755-6 

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Illustration by Nellie Pease. 

Abstract

Isolated upper teeth of a new fourth species of Malleodectes, M. arenai sp. nov. and an isolated lower molar representing a new genus of diminutive malleodectid, Weirdodectes napoleoni sp. nov. are described from Riversleigh’s Middle Miocene deposits. In addition, new malleodectid dental material from Middle and Late Miocene deposits at Riversleigh includes the first lower dentition of Malleodectes mirabilis and the first upper dentition of M. wentworthi. Comparisons of the upper and lower dentitions of M. mirabilis and M. wentworthi with that of the putative dasyurid Barinya wangala suggests that taxon is also a malleodectid. Parsimony and Bayesian phylogenetic analyses support a congeneric relationship between M. mirabilis and M. wentworthi, and support assignment of species of Barinya to Malleodectidae. These analyses support previous studies that found malleodectids were more closely related to dasyurids and myrmecobiids than to thylacinids. The snail-eating hypothesis for malleodectids is restricted to species of Malleodectes, with a more generalised durophagous diet suggested for B. wangala. The diet of Weirdodectes napoleoni sp. nov. is unknown but its dentition suggests it was highly specialised.

Keywords: Dasyuromorphia, Malleodectidae, Riversleigh, Taxonomy, Phylogenetics

MAMMALIA Linnaeus, 1758

MARSUPIALIA Illiger, 1811 sensu Beck et al. (2014)

DASYUROMORPHIA Gill, 1872 sensu Kealy and Beck (2017)

†MALLEODECTIDAE Archer et al., 2016

Type species: Malleodectes mirabilis Arena et al., 2011.

MALLEODECTINAE subfamily novum

Head reconstructions and silhouettes of Malleodectes mirabilis and M. wentworthi.

Illustrations by Nellie Pease

†Malleodectes arenai sp. nov.  

Etymology: The species name arenai honours Dr Rick Arena for his contributions to palaeontological and geological research at Riversleigh including description of the genus Malleodectes.

Weirdodectes napoleoni sp. nov. holotype left m1 (QM F61732) microCT images.
a. lingual view; b. buccal view; c. oblique buccal view; ... i. posterior view.

?MALLEODECTIDAE Archer et al., 2016

Subfamily incertae sedis

†WEIRDODECTES gen. nov.

Etymology: The genus name, Weirdodectes, describes the bizarre and highly specialised m1 crown morphology of this taxon which is unlike any other marsupial carnivore currently known.

†Weirdodectes napoleoni sp. nov.  

Etymology: The species name, napoleoni, honours the late Napoleon, the Great Pyrenees Mountain dog who provided unwavering emotional support throughout my undergraduate, honours and PhD years. You will be missed my loyal and magnificent friend, but never forgotten.

Habitat reconstruction of Riversleigh’s Middle Miocene forests including Malleodectes mirabilis (bottom right), M. wentworthi (top left), M. arenai (top right) and Weirdodectes napoleoni (bottom left). 

 Illustration by Nellie Pease. 

 

Timothy J. Churchill, Michael Archer and Suzanne J. Hand. 2025. A New Genus and Two New Species of malleodectid (Marsupialia, Malleodectidae) from the Middle and Late Miocene Deposits of the Riversleigh World Heritage Area, northwestern Queensland. Journal of Mammalian Evolution. 32, 16. DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s10914-025-09755-6 

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